Why is nonviolence such a point of contention? It does not take violence to ruin lives substantially. Why is the guy that gets a 15yr old hooked on heroin better than someone that beats someone near death? Both victims have the potential to have their lives end horribly, one is just slower than the other. I hate the nonviolent crimes argument. Some nonviolent offenses are just as, and sometimes more, damaging to the victim(s) and their family.

I had a neighbor who neglected his wife and kids through criminal behavior. He participated in dog fighting and sold drugs out of his home. Everyone knows when you sell drugs that it is illegal and you could lose everything because of it. It is sad to see families destroyed because people chose easy money over a family. A few months ago they just moved out and I found out that the father went to jail, so they had to move into a house with friends/family.

I see nothing wrong with criminal justice for violent and non-violent crimes. The justice system is not hurting the offenders family, the offender is. Follow the law and you don't got to jail. Easy peasy.